The Division is recognized as a global centre of excellence on issues related to investment and enterprise for sustainable development. Built on several decades of successful experience, its staff provide international expertise in research and policy analysis, inter-governmental consensus-building, and technical assistance to over 150 countries. Its flagship product is the annual World Investment Report and its main global stakeholder event is the biannual World Investment Forum. The Division also maintains the interactive World Investment Network of over 9,000 members to disseminate and promote all its work on investment and enterprise.

Experts in the field of foreign direct investment (FDI), reacting to stagnant or declining investment flows in 2012, discussed how cooperation within regions could help developing countries make stable economic progress.

Improving infrastructure, making the tax system "friendlier" for small businesses, and taking advantage of Djibouti's geographical location were among topics reviewed as officials considered how to boost foreign investment.

The trade and investment nexus, and its relationship between regional integration and TNC strategies, is the subject of the forthcoming UNCTAD expert meeting being held in Geneva on investment for productive capacity-building and sustainable development.